Buying comics can be an expensive hobby. A lot of fans simply can’t afford everything they’re interested in, due to rising prices and the over-saturation of the market with superhero titles.
That’s why we’re here. Every week, the Multiversity staff is asked “What would you buy this week if you couldn’t go over $20?” and shares their reasons why, in order to help others who might have similar tastes make their own decisions in buying comics on a budget. Be sure to leave your own picks in the comments!
Kate’s Picks:
The Trials of Loki Marvel Tales #1 ($7.99): Want a primer before Loki kicks off next week on Disney+? This ought to do it.
Nice House on the Lake #1 ($3.99): James Tynion IV is taking horror in new directions with both “The Department of Truth” and “Something is Killing the Children” so I am keen to see how he reinvents the “strangers trapped at a lake house far from civilization” horror trope, particularly when you have the freedom of DC’s Black Label.
Krypto the Superdog ($9.99): And after the horror, the goodest of boys will provide a nice palate cleanser.
Total: $21.97.
Mark’s Picks:
The Girl from the Sea ($14.99) – A story about coming out and first love from Molly Ostertag. I’m picking this up based on the strength of her “The Witch Boy” trilogy. She’s shown she has a deft hand, using the supernatural to explore other themes, so I’m looking forward to seeing how she uses selkies in this latest book.
Basilisk #1 ($3.99) – Cullen Bunn and Jonas Scharf return to the world of “Bone Parish” for a new story, but don’t worry, you can launch into this without any prior reading. This should be a good supernatural puzzle with plenty of gore.
Total: $18.98. It’s a big week, and I couldn’t fit everything. I’ll also be picking up “Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory” #3, “Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land” #4, “Bliss” #8, Fire Power #12, and “Family Tree” #12 (it is the final issue after all).
Brian’s Picks:
Crush and Lobo #1 ($3.99) – DC kicks off Pride month with a series that features one of their most prominent LGBTQIA+ characters, Crush. The book feels totally normal in the most positive way; Crush’s sexuality is an integral part of the story and of her character, but it is handled in a way that does not feel sensational or gimmicky. The book also looks great, and who doesn’t love the Main Man now and then?
Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1 ($4.99) – Look, this is the definition of a Star Wars era that I really could not care less about, but there are some rules in the Salvatore house, and one of them is that we read Star Wars comics. Let’s give it a shot.
The Nice House on the Lake #1 ($3.99) – A James Tynion IV horror comic will always get a look from me, as will anything from Alvaro Martinez Bueno. Put them together, and this is a must.
Total: $12.97
Johnny’s Picks:
Skulldigger & Skeleton Boy TPB ($19.99) – Just one book on the stack for me this slow holiday week, and it’s a book I’ve often recommended in the past. It’s been well established here that I love Black Hammer titles, and perhaps the one spin-off that has stuck with me the most since Lemire has branched the universe out was this gritty send-up of the vigilante titles of the 70’s and 80’s. I recommend folks, if you haven’t already, to take a chance on this trade, or at the very least spend some time flipping through the pages at your LCS and marveling at the artistry of Tonci Zonjic, one of the best cartoonists working today. Not only do his action sequences set the bar for excellence, but I think his facial expressions and body language skills are oft overlooked. I haven’ even gotten to the color work, which really do wonders for setting the mood and atmosphere throughout the miniseries. This was a real treat of a mini, despite the very intense themes presented. Do yourself a favor and take a chance on this one!
Total: $19.99. Noice!
